How to sheathe the pile foundation of the house from the outside. Sheathing the basement of the house on screw piles

The final stage of construction is the finishing of the basement space. In housing construction with a pile foundation, there is space left that gives an unfinished look.

In this regard, it is important to understand the finish and study all the nuances that you should pay attention to when performing it.

Consider how to close the basement of a house on screw piles, the advantages and disadvantages of finishing materials.

The advantages of finishing the basement space

Finishing the space between the pile foundation and the house has the following advantages:

• increases thermal insulation;
• prevents medium and large animals from penetrating under the floor;
• prevents snow and rainwater from accumulating under the house.

In order for the finish to perform all of the listed functions, when choosing a material, you need to carefully study all the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Finishing methods

So that the floors in the house are not blown through, it is necessary to insulate the basement space

The open space between the soil and the floor is blown by the wind and is affected by sub-zero temperatures, due to which the floor in the house turns cold. We close the piles under the house with:

• devices for a shallow tape base;
• hanging finishing material between piles, having previously built a frame.

When choosing a method of finishing and material, we take into account:

• soil type;
• groundwater level;
• climatic conditions.

First of all, we mount the support crate from a profile pipe, it will serve as a link between the supports. The step of the guides should be 300-400 mm. The profile is selected with different widths of the sides (40x20).

To prevent communications from freezing, we insulate them with mineral wool or foil rolled insulation.

When choosing a material, we take into account that it is in contact with the surface of the earth, therefore, with a close occurrence of water or flooding, all harmful factors will affect it.

materials

The hinged plinth is light and does not require ground work

Consider how to close the pile foundation from the outside. It is important that the material used for finishing is durable and frost-resistant, does not lose its qualities under the influence of temperature extremes and ultraviolet radiation.

More reliable is the finishing of the base of the pile foundation with stone, brick, cinder block, concrete. This will require the implementation of earthworks by the type of shallow foundation.

The hinged structure is light in weight and does not require earthworks. Polymer, wood and composite materials are used, which are quickly and easily mounted.

When finishing the basement of a house on stilts, it is necessary to arrange ventilation holes that will create natural air circulation and protect the building from dampness. As protection against penetration into the ventilation of animals and debris, we close the channels with a mesh.

The most commonly used basement siding for finishing a screw foundation.

It is produced in the form of decorative panels with a thickness of 1 to 2.5 mm.

Advantages:

• possibility of application in any climatic zone, including in the north;
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• light weight, ease of installation;
• has low thermal conductivity, retains heat;
• durability 40-50 years;
• does not collapse under the influence of moisture, ultraviolet radiation.

The possibility of facing the foundation of a house with semicircular shapes is provided. For this, a technology was launched into production, thanks to which the material is easily bent. Panels of small thickness (1.1 mm) are produced with the addition of synthetic threads.

There are a large number of produced collections that imitate natural stone and brick, which can be matched to any design solution.

Profile flooring

One sheet of corrugated board will block a significant space

Sometimes the question arises of how to close the screw piles so that the work can be completed during the day.

In 4-7 hours, you can close the pile foundation with profile sheets.

The width is available from 1 to 4 m, due to this, a significant space can be covered with one sheet.

Advantages:

• a polymer-coated sheet has a service life of 30-50 years, a galvanized sheet lasts 10-15 years;
• available in various colors and sizes;
• a light weight.

The disadvantages include:

• in places where the coating is damaged, the sheet is subject to corrosion;
• the zinc coating is gradually eroding away.

Profile sheets have a wavy or corrugated shape, in appearance they significantly lose to siding.

Asbestos slabs - non-environmental material

Every year this material loses its popularity, it is replaced by modern, environmentally friendly materials.

Advantages:

• resistant to atmospheric influences;
• durable.

Disadvantages:

• asbestos is hazardous to human health and pollutes the environment;
• fragile;
• unattractive appearance.

The plinth of the screw foundation, sewn up with flat slate, will not be in harmony with the construction of modern materials.

Frame system

It is a budget option. For the installation of the crate, we use vertical racks made of timber (metal) with horizontal rails and metal profiles attached between them. We attach acrylic and vinyl siding to a prefabricated frame. For more information on how to close the basement space in a house on screw piles, see this video:

Leaf system

Tiles can be laid on the mounted profile

It is economically advantageous to use a leaf system.

Device steps:

• we fix vertically a metal profile (corner, pipe) or a wooden beam;
• we fix cement-bonded or asbestos-cement boards;
• we lay tiles, porcelain tiles, bituminous tiles on the stove.

We provide ventilation holes in the panels for the timely removal of excess water.

Composite materials

As a composite material we use:

• light polymer-sand panels reinforced with cellulose threads;
• fiber cement sheets have great strength, reliability;

Often the question arises of how to close the piles in the places where there is a possibility of mechanical damage. It is better to close up the basement space near the house, which stands on the road with high traffic, with a polymer-sand composite.

Brickwork is a reliable, but expensive and time-consuming method of finishing the foundation on screw piles. To correctly and evenly lay the cladding, you need to have construction skills.

Advantages:

• durability, strength, reliability;
• high thermal insulation qualities;
• additional support for housing construction;
• aesthetic appearance.

Disadvantages:

• high price;
• laboriousness.

How to close the basement space with a brick:

• remove the fertile layer by 30-40 cm;
• we fall asleep a pillow of sand, gravel, ramming;
• we warm the sole;
• laying a brick.

Masonry should be connected by means of metal pins to piles. The metal is welded to the crate, adheres to the brick by means of cement mortar.

In a site with a low level of soil freezing, a distance of 5-8 mm should be provided between the finishing material and the soil. It will provide air circulation and protect the material from destruction during soil heaving.

blind area

The blind area isolates the basement from moisture

Upon contact with the soil, the quality of the facing materials is lost, so the surface must be isolated from moisture and a blind area should be made. As a waterproofing, we use roofing material or dense polyethylene, one end of which is filled under the blind area, the second edge is bent onto the crate of the frame under the finishing material.

At the end of the lining, we arrange a blind area, which will prevent rain and melt water from leaking under the building. To ensure the drainage of water and condensate, it must be mounted with a slope of 1.5 degrees from the base. Concrete is evenly poured into the formwork, in which a mesh of reinforcement is laid. In the place of docking with the base of the foundation, we lay an expansion joint. For more information about blind areas in a house on screw piles, see this video:

When the house is located on a slope, part of the underground can be equipped as a cellar, in this case we provide for the installation of a door.

Socle on screw piles - the distance between the soil surface and the lower supporting structure, consisting of elements. How to close the basement of a house on screw piles should be decided depending on several factors, including the availability of a certain material, as well as the construction project. Various materials are used for processing and finishing devices of a hinged structure.

Types of finishing screw pile foundations

There are quite a few finishes, but there are only two types:

• hinged screen;
• strip foundation of a shallow depth.

Screw pile foundations form a basement or basement. With the help of piles, a small space is created between the soil and the lower supports of the structure.

There are several types of plinth finishes.

During the construction process, the foundation is closed with a hinged or tape structure. With the help of this, a semi-basement is obtained, which is later used for its intended purpose.

Plinth closure is necessary. Screw piles are used in three versions:

• screw compartment on the tip;
• fully screw design;
• blade tip.

With all these options, the hinged type is more often used, which is the most popular. This is because the curtain wall is more practical and easier to install. Sometimes mixed options are used when a secondary foundation is laid between the skin. This is especially true when there is a need for insulation.

Also, no matter what types of piles or sheathing method have been chosen, a profile pipe crate should be used to strengthen the base. The profile can be selected in accordance with the parameters and lower elements of the house, including pile sections. This must be done for durability.

In this video you will learn how to close the plinth:

In many ways, the finish depends on the type of building and the requirements for the basement. The availability of materials is also important. Each type has its own characteristics due to different installation work.

The hinged version is aligned with the walls of the house and does not go deep into the ground. Fastening occurs due to self-tapping screws and other additional elements.

The standard installation time is equal to days, installation is simple and economical. Finishing can be in the form of any material, including stone or wood.

For a strip foundation, a certain set of materials will be required. Typically, such a foundation is constructed using masonry or brickwork in conjunction with concrete elements.

This type of finish is deepened into the ground, for this reason certain properties of the soil under the house are required, as well as a flat surface in the area of ​​\u200b\u200binstallation of bearing piles.

materials

To close the pile foundation from the outside, many different materials are used, which differ not only in price, but also in quality. Among the most popular options are:

1. Plaster. The cheapest material that has increased vapor permeability. The demand for plaster during finishing work is explained by the variety in the choice of decor. Decorative plaster allows you to create a variety of designs by changing the texture and color of the coating. The main disadvantage is a short service life.
2. A natural stone. A durable option that has a variety of shapes and surfaces. However, it has a lot of disadvantages, for example, it creates an increased load on the screw foundation. Finishing the foundation requires metal pins and a framework for finishing. Installation technology requires special skills. In addition, for the installation of natural stone, it is required to use fittings and stops, which significantly increases the overall cost.
3. Fake diamond. Much cheaper than natural. the material is available in the form of small tiles or panels. Installation is carried out using fasteners. The main drawback of the material is the monotony of the decor (mosaic).
4. Brick. A versatile material that has enhanced thermal insulation properties. Installation is carried out only with a tape type of foundation. Opens up great opportunities for creating a unique design.
5. Plastic panels. They are often used to close the plinth due to their increased resistance to stress, as well as chemical and biological attack. The material is completely protected from the harmful effects of moisture and condensation. In addition, plastic panels have a variety of designs and textures, which makes them versatile.

The choice of material must be made based on the climatic conditions in which it will be used.

The plinth can be sewn up with various materials

basement siding

The most popular and frequently used option for facing the basement of a house on a pile foundation is siding. The material has a lot of advantages, including:

1. The low cost of both the material itself and the components that are necessary during installation work.
2. Installation of basement siding does not require special skills, which allows you to install it yourself.
3. Durability. Plastic does not rot, and is also resistant to the negative effects of the environment.
4. Design variety. It can imitate the texture of natural materials, which allows it to organically fit into the overall design of the house and the surrounding area.
5. Ease of maintenance. Siding is easy to clean, which can be carried out even with the use of strong detergents.

It has practically no drawbacks, which makes it the most popular and frequently used.

Profile flooring

Decking was originally used as a roofing material. At the moment, it is widely used in the field of plinth sheathing. It has the following benefits:

1. Ease of installation. Sheathing the basement of the house can be done independently, using a metal saw and a screwdriver. Special skills are not required.
2. Great variety of colors.
3. Small price compared to other options.
4. Light weight, which prevents the creation of additional load on the foundation.
5. No additional processing required.

Despite all the advantages, profile flooring has a number of significant disadvantages:

1. Low resistance to mechanical stress and high probability of scratching.
2. Places with no polymer coating are vulnerable to corrosion.
3. Despite the variety of colors, corrugated board has only one type of shape.
4. Increased susceptibility to decay, especially in contact with open ground.
5. Rapid fading and loss of gloss.

It should be noted that the corrugated board is quite flexible, easy to cut, so it can be used regardless of the type of construction.

flat slate

Previously, flat slate was used in almost all types of finishes. Now this option is used in rare cases, as it is considered unreliable. Among the main advantages it is worth highlighting:

• the possibility of self-installation with a special set of tools;
• increased resistance to decay and negative environmental influences;
• slate allows the use of thermal panels for insulation;
• practically unlimited service life.

However, this type has a large number of disadvantages. The main ones worth highlighting are:

1. Increased brittleness of the material. It is quite dense, but with improper cutting or poor-quality drilling, the slate crumbles and collapses.
2. Increased complexity of fastening to piles.
3. The price of flat slate is much higher than most other materials.
4. Requires additional work using other materials to give the slate a presentable look.

You can put a similar slate yourself

When checking flat slate, it was revealed that it is dangerous to human health due to the presence of a large amount of asbestos in the composition.

Frame system

The frame system includes the initial installation of the crate, on which the cladding is subsequently placed. The crate consists of metal bars or pipes, including corners that are welded to the piles, as well as wooden elements.

It is on this design that the finish itself is installed, which can be from any material. It is worth considering that each type of material has its own characteristics, and the lining is made taking into account every nuance and compatibility of elements and substances.

The crate and the entire frame that occupies the space under the house must be processed.

Metal elements are treated with anti-corrosion substances, and wood - with a special antiseptic.

Leaf system

The sheet method is unpopular due to fragility and intolerance to point loads on sheets - slate and a few other options. The whole method lies in the fact that the entire basement is sheathed with sheets. The main task here is the presence of good fasteners, as well as the processing of all joints.

The most commonly used flat slate with a thickness of 5 mm.

Composite materials

The use of composite materials is not common, but various options are often used for finishing. The main problem is the purchase of high-quality materials, since for finishing the basement it will be necessary to purchase materials that are not only durable, but also have good thermal insulation characteristics. This is necessary so that the insulation of the basement floor after finishing is not required.

Facing brick

Facing brick is the most expensive option for facing work. In addition, special skills are required, and if they are not available, you will have to turn to specialists, which will entail additional financial costs. Among the main advantages of facing bricks, it is worth highlighting:

1. It has increased thermal stability, which eliminates the possibility of freezing at home in the winter.
2. It does not require special care, additional finishing and restoration work after a while.
3. Thanks to the brickwork, additional support is created for the house, which reduces the load on the piles, which makes the overall structure more stable.
4. It differs from other materials in its long service life, regardless of the climatic conditions in which it will be used.

Despite the large number of advantages, there are disadvantages that should be considered when choosing:

• increased cost of both materials and the work itself;
• masonry work requires a lot of time;
• limited number of appearance options.

Don't forget to use pins

To obtain a stable and reliable design, the use of crates and metal pins is required.

The technology of mounting the hinged finish of the plinth

Installation works of hinged finishing are carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. A recess 20-30 cm deep and 50-60 cm wide along the outer contour of the house. A roofing material is laid at the bottom of the excavation, which is covered with sand. This is necessary to protect piles made of metal from moisture coming from the ground in winter or during rains. In order to carry out a quick drainage of water, it is required to lay the drainage pipe on a pillow of sand.
2. Next, you need to install a frame with which the finishing material will be attached. It can be made using profile pipes or wooden blocks. The frame must be attached to the piles using brackets. In this case, the lining should protrude beyond the surface of the grillage by 30-40 mm.
3. It is required to fix the starting profile on the frame, and then start fastening the panels, moving from left to right. It is necessary to leave small gaps of 30-50 mm between the blind area and the sheathing material. This space is necessary for air circulation and protection in case of ground lifting in winter.
4. Sheathing is required to be fastened using self-tapping screws, which are screwed into the oval holes of the finishing plates. At the same time, it is necessary to leave 1-2 mm between the self-tapping screw and the plastic, this will protect the sheathing elements from damage that may occur due to expansion due to changes in the overall temperature.
5. At the end, it is necessary to attach the structure to the base frame.

If DSP (16 mm) or flat slate is used as a sheathing material, then the frame can be omitted, since the overall rigidity of the materials will be quite high.

How to sheathe the base of a pile-screw foundation with your own hands

For do-it-yourself sheathing of a pile-screw foundation, you must:

1. Fasten the starting strip of the siding to the bottom rail of the frame with a pitch of 30 cm self-tapping screws.
2. With a gap of 10 mm, a corner bar is attached, observing the pitch of the screws 30 cm.
3. Fasten the third panel into the groove of the starting strip and slide it into the corner bar, leaving a small space for the likely expansion of the material.
4. Fix the bar with self-tapping screws.
5. Bring the next strip into the corner bar and slide it to the bottom rail, fasten it.
6. Install the rest of the panels. The height of the last panel can be trimmed if necessary.
7. Install the second corner bar, which will act as the starting corner for the next wall.
8. Attach the finish line.

All panels need to be installed with small gaps of 20-30 mm and fastened with 5 self-tapping screws. The installation of the cladding should be carried out without tension, since under the influence of temperature the material can change its dimensions by 6-7 mm.

Instead of self-tapping screws, galvanized nails (30-40 mm) with a wide hat can be used. At the same time, a small gap must be left between the cap and the finishing material.

Finally

Closing the basement during finishing can be done in several ways. Much depends on the availability of facing material, soil characteristics, as well as on the requirements for the basement, which will be equipped in the future. All construction processes must take into account the requirements of each finishing method.

A pile foundation, like no other, requires decorative design. Such a finish will not only make the overall picture more attractive, but also protect all the materials from which the house is built from moisture and low temperatures. The construction market offers a huge selection of cladding suitable for the plinth.

An excellent option for is basement siding. These panels are durable and resistant to temperature extremes. It is important to choose a quality material in order to be sure of the reliability of the cladding. To do this, pay attention to:

1. Price. In this case, the higher the cost, the better the plates.
2. Joint. If you add 2 elements the way they will look on the base, then the joint should not be visible.
3. Fastening reliability. It’s great if there are no flaws on the element, including cracks, chips and wobble. Otherwise, the panel will fall off at an unpredictable moment, both during installation and during operation.
4. The quality of the decorative coating. Plinth siding should be evenly painted with no bald spots, bubbles, or other imperfections.

Using these rules, you can choose a quality material that will last a long time without problems. It is important to mention that basement siding is used for finishing the facade as a whole, and not just for the foundation.

Types and features of basement siding

Manufacturers offer the attention of the buyer several types of finishing materials. Siding differs in raw materials:

• Vinyl - made from PVC. Because the panels are light, it is convenient to work with them.
• Metal basement siding - galvanized steel is chosen for production. They are also treated with protective compounds, both from the front and from the back. The weight is more than the previous version, but the strength is much greater.

There are plinth material for decoration and texture:

• Brick panels - completely imitate brickwork. From a distance it is almost impossible to distinguish from the original. Everything is achieved due to the fact that for the manufacture of panels, impressions of ordinary bricks are used along with chips and cracks.
• Stone lining. There are several options for panels for the base of the pile foundation. The choice will have to be made from imitations of rubble, burnt, rock stone and alpine granite. Each of these materials has excellent characteristics and is perfect for finishing the plinth.

Let's figure out why basement siding is so popular for decoration. Everything is connected with several advantages that this material has:

1. Availability. The price is democratic, because almost everyone can afford to buy it.
2. Mechanical stability. If you finish the pile-screw foundation, then even the strongest blows are not afraid of him.
3. biological inertia. Insects, mold, fungi and rodents do not damage the material.
4. UV resistant. The panels retain their original color for many years. Only the shade changes, but this will happen evenly and imperceptibly to the owner.
5. Duration of operation. Some manufacturers indicate a period of 45–50 years.
6. Ease of installation.
7. Versatility. Installed on any foundation.

But this material has several drawbacks. Firstly, these are linear changes with temperature exposure. Secondly, flammability. This only applies to vinyl siding.

The main advantages of pile-screw foundations

This method of creating a foundation is chosen when it is not possible to create a conventional tape using a cement-sand mixture. In addition, there are a number of other positive nuances:

1. The root system of all plantings that are around is preserved.
2. There is no need to equip a huge construction site.
3. Suitable for swampy soils.
4. Work is carried out at any time of the year, including winter.
5. The pile is reused.
6. Elements of small and medium sizes can be installed without the help of special devices.
7. Allows you to put the house in close proximity to other residential buildings.

This option for arranging the foundation is also suitable for small country cottages. The work is carried out quickly and there is no need to wait until the mortar is completely dry, and this greatly reduces construction time.

How is the base of the pile foundation

In order to carry out the construction of the basement for the pile foundation, the following steps must be taken:

• Make a crate. To do this, use wooden bars or a metal profile.
• Insulate. This stage can be skipped, but if you plan to use the space as a full-fledged basement floor, then it is impossible to do without thermal insulation.
• Install the finish of the screw foundation of the house.
• Seal corners and seams.
• If necessary, clean and further treat the structure with special compounds.

The technology of mounting basement siding on a pile foundation

All stages of installing panels can be done by hand. In this case, you do not need to have special skills.

• First, a crate made of wood or metal is installed. The first to be attached is a horizontal element, which should be placed at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground. Next, a crate is made of vertical parts in increments of 40–45 cm.
• Then proceed to the starting bar. The part is fixed at the bottom of the crate. Make sure that the element is in a horizontal plane.
• Panels are installed from the left corner. They are screwed on with screws. You can not fix the fasteners tightly, you need to leave a gap of 1-2 mm.
• Next, install the corner additional elements.
• In the upper part of the plinth, if necessary, a low tide is installed.

Materials and tools

Before you start finishing work, you will have to stock up on everything you need:

• Metal profile or wooden bars for the crate.
• Basement siding panels.
• Fasteners (screws, nails).
• Heater (if necessary).
• Waterproof film.
• Sand.
• Small rubble.
• Screwdriver.

Surface preparation

It is necessary to reliably protect all materials from moisture. To do this, wooden or metal elements are treated with special compounds, and waterproofing is to be arranged. You will have to dig a trench (30 cm deep and 40-50 cm wide) around the foundation. It is filled with sand and carefully compacted.

At the same time, they maintain a slope that will help to remove atmospheric moisture. A waterproofing film is covered on the sand, so that 10-15 cm go under the wall. The joints are sealed with tape. Small gravel is poured on top (performs the function of drainage) and another layer of sand. This will be a blind area, which can be finished with paving slabs, or poured with concrete.

Lathing installation

Profiles are welded to the piles. All guides will be attached to them in the future. The first to fasten a horizontal bar, which is located at a height of 10-15 cm from the ground.

This distance will allow you to ventilate the space under the house and protect the finish from the effects of frozen soil. Next, a crate is made of vertical parts in increments of 40–45 cm.

Thermal insulation of the screw foundation

It is advisable to insulate the foundation at the construction stage. Then the effect will be much better. But even after complete construction, thermal insulation can be arranged. To do this, install sheet heaters that are able to withstand high humidity and at the same time not lose their properties.

Suitable:

• Penoplex.
• Styrofoam.
• Penoizol.
• Foamed glass in the form of plates.

Brickwork is also suitable for insulation along the entire perimeter of the pile-screw foundation.

Other options for finishing the basement of a house on screw piles

In addition to basement siding, the finish of the basement of the screw foundation can also be made of other materials. At the same time, they have advantages and disadvantages, having familiarized themselves with which, everyone chooses the appropriate option.

brick finish

Brick is considered a reliable building material. But to make a smooth and high-quality masonry, experience is needed. Therefore, for such a case, it is better to use the services of professionals.

The cladding is laid on a concrete base or on a metal beam, which will serve as a support. Ventilation gaps must be left in the brickwork. The process takes time and money.

Plastic panels

This option is an affordable and quick way to finish the basement. The panels are universal and can be mounted on any foundation. They reliably protect against external influences, including biological and chemical. The finish is flexible so it can withstand heavy loads.

Decking

Another way to equip the basement is corrugated board. For wooden and frame houses, this option is not suitable, because the material is hardly considered universal. But it is durable, perfectly protects from wind and water. Installed on the crate, which makes the process quick and easy.

flat slate

The appearance of such a finish wants to be the best. But slate is used as a base for other decorative finishes, such as tiles or special plaster.

Several options for this finish can be seen in the photo on the Internet. The asbestos-cement sheet is fixed with slate nails or bolts. But during installation, you need to remember that the slate is quite fragile and does not withstand strong blows.

Cement particle board

Instead of flat cement slabs, cement particle boards are chosen. They are more durable, but at the same time lightweight. They are much easier to work with. DSPs are easy to drill and cut. Nails and screws are used as fasteners. This is an excellent base for decorative material.

Moisture resistant plywood

This is another option that is used as a base for decoration. Plywood is suitable for building frame houses. The material does not deform under the influence of water. Some craftsmen do not even apply a primer before applying the cladding.

Stone plinth cladding

It does not matter natural or artificial stone, but it is difficult to lay it. Therefore, it is better to use the services of a professional team. The material is reliable, durable and resistant to all external influences. But natural stone will cost quite a lot, and artificial stone will be cheaper.

Screw piles are a product of new technologies, a type of columnar foundations, which are indispensable for construction on soft soils. This technology makes it possible to reach stable soil layers without additional costs of equipment and materials. Piles are considered the best foundation option for private construction. Reliable, safe, most advantageous in all respects, the supports represent a simple and quick foundation. It can be made in a few days, in any weather, at any time of the year, and the supporting structures are mounted immediately.

"Payroll" or options for finishing the plinth

One of the stages of completing the construction of a house is the disguise of aesthetically unpresentable foundation piles. The question inevitably arises, how to close the base of the screw foundation? The specifics of installing the house structure on piles does not imply the arrangement of the basement.

However, there are situations in which basement work is still performed. They differ from the generally accepted concept, suggest: either work on digging a small depth of a tape ditch connecting the piles around the perimeter, or finishing with a hinged plinth. In turn, the hinged structure can be presented in different versions.

There are several ways to decorate the basement (the so-called distance from the ground to the walls of the house). The main ones are: basement siding, brick trim, decorative panels. What is noteworthy, you can do the work yourself, without spending money on paying for the services of specialists. Traditionally, external decorative cladding is done with siding.

Hinged structure

Making a hanging structure is easy. You just need to follow the order:

• A crate is created from metal corners, pipes or wooden boards.

Note. It is important not only how to close the basement of a house on stilts, but also what condition the soil is in, what is the depth of groundwater. The hinged plinth is located in close proximity to the ground, therefore, if there is a threat of flooding of the territory, it will most of the time be in an environment with high humidity. Under these conditions, when constructing a crate, a frame for tiles, it is better to abandon wooden structures, facing materials on a wooden basis.

• In any convenient way (self-tapping screws or welding), guides are attached to the piles. It can be a metal profile, wooden beams; a kind of frame for fixing panels or asbestos-cement slabs, combined systems with insulation or sheet slate on it.
• Before installation, a “pillow” of sand up to half a meter thick is poured around the perimeter.
• Corners are formed in a convenient way with the help of related components.
• All seams are sealed with a sealed solution.
• The design is complemented by the installation of ebbs and other elements that are not enough for the finished design of the basement.
• Cause crown - finishing decorative finish.

Basement siding: practical, fast, aesthetically pleasing

If the design should only perform the function of decoration without additional insulation, then siding panels are quite suitable. A variety of textures, colors of the material can transform an unfinished open work area into a neat pedestal on which the building rises. They can be brickwork, tile or ceramic tiles, decorative stone.

Siding will be the perfect solution to the problem:

• It is very easy to solve a problem like: how to close the basement of a house on stilts, using this simple and understandable material. For independent work, you will need the following tools and devices: a cord, a construction meter or tape measure, a set of wooden pegs, a plumb line, a building level, boards, a shovel, roll-type waterproofing.
• Before starting work, the area between the piles and near them is freed from vegetation and debris.
• Soil is selected along the outer perimeter of the house near the walls. A trench is formed with a depth of up to half a meter, a width of 0.3-0.4 m. At the same time, its inner border should be located slightly going under the walls, and the excavation of the earth itself should be carried out with the formation of a slight slope in the direction from the walls: for every 2 m, 1-5 cm.
• The entire excavated pit, including the walls, is covered with a layer of rolled waterproofing.
• On a small layer of poured rubble, a perforated drainage PVC pipe is laid around the perimeter.
• In several places, drainage wells are brought to the surface - an "ambulance" when the system is silted up to flush it.
• The pipes are covered with a layer of 0.1 m of fine gravel. The trench is completely covered with sand along the upper boundary, which is well tamped, performing a slope from the walls.
• A blind area is formed. Alternatively, it can be paving slabs, paving stones or concrete screed.
• Holders are welded onto the piles, on which guides will be attached through the holes.
• The frame is made of wooden (40x100 mm) or metal elements. To prevent wood from rotting, it is pre-treated with an antiseptic.
• Using a J-profile, external and internal corners with fasteners, siding panels are installed. At the same time, a compensation gap of 3-5 cm is maintained for possible expansion when the temperature changes between the panels and the blind area.
• An ebb is installed on top of the finished structure, along which precipitation is removed from the base.

By the way, it is never too late to start work on arranging the basement, it is even preferable to do this after the house begins to live its own life. All communication wiring has already been connected to it, so there is time to slowly do the finishing.

Paying tribute to the brick

If you still haven’t decided how to close the basement of a house on screw piles, and there is no desire and time to bother with digging a trench, there is an easier way to design a pile foundation basement - reliable, inexpensive, prefabricated - brickwork. A metal corner profile is welded to the foundation piles, covered with a protective film against rust damage, along the very bottom. A corner with a shelf width of 120 mm and a length of 6 m to 11.7 m is pre-treated with a protective anti-corrosion compound.

On the lower profile, starting with the design of the corners, a facing brick is laid out. Rising up along the perimeter, masonry is formed with a spoon dressing and seams of at least 0.05 cm. It is better if they are decorative, but elements from galvanized sheet can be used. It turns out a neat, full-fledged foundation. Visually and cost-wise, it even outperforms a traditional concrete base.

Economical plastic panels

I use decorative plastic panels instead of bricks, they get economic benefits, but they lose in aesthetics: natural brick or stone looks richer, more beautiful than any panel. But such a finish perfectly veils the pile foundation, withstands heavy loads due to the increased thickness of the panel sheet, its resistance to chemical and biological effects.

With hinged panels, the space under the house remains empty, moisture does not collect under it, condensation does not form, thanks to good natural ventilation. The panels exactly repeat the relief of the site, creating an external absolute resemblance to the monumental foundation, while retaining all the advantages that the pile foundation has, especially in areas with significant elevation changes and other terrain complexities.

Features of finishing the plinth on difficult soils

Important! Before closing the base of the screw foundation on soils with deep freezing of the soil, whether it be hinged panels, decorative stone, etc., it is necessary to provide a gap of 5-7 mm between the ground cover and the decorative design.

It must be maintained to ensure free ventilation, and also so as not to damage the finish when the soil swells in frosty weather. The formed gap is covered with a mesh, excluding the penetration of debris and rodents under the house. It is important that ventilation is carried out at any time of the year. To prevent defrosting of communications, they are pre-insulated with mineral thermal insulation or mounting foam.

Economy option: concrete plinth and its finishing with plaster

This method is not only the easiest, but perhaps the most economical. Not requiring large financial costs, significant efforts for digging a trench, installing guides. Just making a blind area. The base is finished with waterproof elements (for example, asbestos-cement slabs). Below, at the surface of the earth, the gap between the finishing panels and the ground is sprinkled with sand. However, it is plaster that will be the most optimal finish in a situation where financial possibilities do not allow purchasing more expensive cladding.

Now its new, more expensive type, based on acrylic resins, has appeared on the construction market - mosaic plaster. This is another solution to the problem than closing the basement of a house on stilts. Plaster not only looks impressive in a variety of colors, but also gives the base high moisture-proof properties.

Having made the right choice of material for finishing the basement, taking into account its operational characteristics, local climatic conditions, observing the technology of work, it is not at all difficult to give an aesthetic, finished look to the “windblown” facade with your own hands.

The construction of houses on screw piles is relatively new in our country, although in America it was first used in 1850 during the construction of a lighthouse. Many people are skeptical about this technology, but in its defense I can say that the lighthouse is still standing.

Foundation on screw piles

Foundation on piles

What are screw piles, and why is their popularity growing every year? There are many advantages, and one of the main ones is the speed of installation. Unlike a concrete foundation, a pile foundation does not require time to dry and shrink.
A screw pile is a pipe with threads on one end and a flat head on the other. Depending on the density of the soil and landscape features, piles can reach 2.5 meters in length. And the wall thickness ranges from 5 mm to 15 mm. Outside, they are covered with a special ship primer, which protects the metal from corrosion.

Foundation construction on screw piles

Today, some manufacturers present their unique models of screw piles with minor external changes, but in fact, there are only three options:

1. Piles with threaded ends
2. Piles with threads all over the "body"
3. Piles with blades at the end

Of course, there is a tangible difference in price, and if the first two options differ only in ease of installation, then a pile with blades can significantly compact the soil around it. This is especially true in places with unstable soil and strong wetting.

Foundation cladding on screw piles

Summing up, under all that has been said above, I will list several bright competitive advantages of building a house on a pile foundation:

1. Ease of installation
2. The ability to use screw piles in any type of soil except rocky
3. The cost is almost two times lower than that of tape concrete pouring
4. Installation can be done in winter
5. Possibility of building a house on sites with complex landscape
6. No need to be afraid of ground movements, even if the construction is seen near a reservoir

But, despite the obvious advantages, the foundation on screw piles has a significant difficulty, namely, how to close the basement of the house. There are several options, and in order to choose the right one, you need to dwell on each in more detail.

Plinth finish options

Regardless of which version of the plinth finish will be chosen, first of all, you need to take care of the support crate. Houses on a pile foundation have an air gap under the base, which must be closed.
It is best to assemble the crate from a profile pipe with unequal sides, for example, 40/20 mm - this is not only convenient for further finishing the basement, but also creates an additional strong bond between the piles.

Important: if a tree is chosen for the crate, then it must be well treated with impregnations and several layers of soil.

Depending on the height of the plinth, the number of batten guides is also calculated. There should be at least three of them, but if the height is more than a meter, then the distance should not exceed 35-40 cm between the guides.
When the crate is ready, you can proceed to the choice of finishing materials.

Plinth crate

basement siding

I will list only the most important ones:

• Relatively low cost. Taking into account all the components, the final cost will still not be high
• Ease of installation. You can close the basement of a house on stilts on your own, without resorting to the services of specialists
• Wear resistance. The dense plastic from which the siding is made is not subject to decay, and will last for decades.
• Huge selection of invoices. Siding mimics natural materials and can be customized to fit the landscape
• Ease of maintenance. The plinth, trimmed with siding, can be safely washed even with the use of strong detergents

basement siding

Facing brick

One of the most expensive ways to close the basement of a house on screw piles. In order to make brickwork, you need to have certain skills, so it is better to turn to the services of specialists.

Important: in order to make reliable masonry, it is necessary to "tie" it to the pile foundation. This can be done with the help of small metal pins, which are welded to the crate and subsequently walled up in the masonry.

Advantages of brickwork:

• The brick retains heat well and will not let the base of the house freeze even in severe frosts.
• Facing brick does not require additional finishing and restoration after a few years
• Masonry creates additional support for the entire house and strengthens the pile structure.
• Few materials can compete with brick in terms of durability.

But, despite all the obvious advantages, there are a number of disadvantages that also cannot be ignored:

• The cost of materials and work make brickwork the most expensive option for finishing a basement.
• Building masonry takes a lot of time
• The variety of appearance is limited by the choice of brick color

Facing brick

Decking

A popular material that was originally created as a roofing material, but today it is used almost everywhere. You can close the base with corrugated board on your own in just a few hours, and from the tools you only need a saw for metal and a screwdriver.

Advantages of corrugated board:

• Large selection of colors
• The corrugated board is a very light material and will not create an additional load on the pile foundation.
• Low price
• Does not require additional processing

Unfortunately, corrugated board has a number of significant disadvantages that make it less attractive compared to other materials:

• Decking is afraid of scratches. The polymer coating is easily scratched, and corrosion begins in these places.
• Appearance is limited to only one option, although it can be different colors
• In places of contact with the soil, the corrugated board quickly begins to rot
• In a few years, the paint will fade and lose its gloss.

Finishing the plinth with corrugated board

flat slate

Finishing the foundation on screw piles using flat slate is losing its popularity today. Slate is a capricious material, which, in addition to everything, is also recognized as harmful to human health, due to the high content of asbestos in its composition.

There are few advantages to this option, but for the sake of justice, they must be mentioned:

• You can make a slate finish yourself, if you have a certain set of tools
• Slate does not rot and is insensitive to the environment
• The service life of this material is not limited

Of course, there are many more cons, and I will list only the main ones:

• Despite the density, slate is a very fragile material, the slightest inaccuracy in cutting or drilling will lead to its destruction.
• Unpresentable appearance
• The cost of flat slate is somewhat higher than the cost of corrugated board or plastic siding
• Slate is very difficult to attach to a pile foundation

flat slate

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many options for finishing the foundation on piles, and most of them can be done independently. The main thing is to understand what requirements the finishing material must meet. It is necessary to approach the choice with all responsibility and not be guided by considerations of economy.